Fourth of July (36 page)

He glanced around the landing, grinning at all of them.

“You’re okay.” Chris raised his fist in exultation. “Yes!”

Alexis stood, moving toward him on trembling legs.

Bang.

The look on Chris’s face was a sickening mixture of complete shock and intense pain.

“No!” Alexis heard herself scream as Chris was thrown against the banister by the impact of the gunshot. He slowly slid to the floor. Alexis froze, paralyzed by horror.

Dylan grabbed Ahmed before he was able to fire again.

“At least I killed one,” he cried out as he was thrown to the floor, hands wrenched behind his back.

“No,” Alexis screamed again, hearing her cry echoed by Dylan and Rachel. They all rushed to Chris. Alexis stopped as she reached his side, afraid to touch him.

“Alexis,” he spoke, his voice hoarse and weak. His eyes closed against the pain.

Alexis knelt by his side. Someone took the firing mechanism. She cautiously reached for Chris’ hand, pulling it close to her heart. “I’m here, Chris.”

“Alexis,” he said again, quieter this time. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Don’t talk.” She cradled his face in her other hand. “You’ll be okay. We’ll get you to a doctor. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Tears streamed down her face.

Don’t take Chris, Lord. Please, don’t let it be his time.

“We need a medic,” Dylan screamed frantically as he knelt on the opposite side of Chris. “Hold on, buddy, you’re going to be fine. We’ll get a medic in here. We’ll get you to the hospital.”

“I’m not going to make it,” Chris croaked. “It’s too far.”

“You’ll make it,” Dylan yelled. “You will.”

“Unca Chris, Unca Chris.” Tyler sobbed as Rachel held him close.

“I’m okay, Ty. Don’t worry little man,” Chris spoke in broken fragments.

Every word appeared to take extreme effort.

Alexis watched as he labored through each inhalation, fearing the next breath could be his last. Where had the bullet pierced? His heart?

“Alexis, I need to tell you...”

“Watch out!” Two Coast Guard paramedics pushed Dylan and Alexis out of their way. Chris’ fingers were ripped from her own. She reached toward him, clawing at the unfamiliar agent who held her.

“Ma’am, let the EMTs do their work.”

The agent gently but firmly pulled her away.

“No, I want Chris. I won’t leave him!”

Would Chris leave her permanently?

The man held her back as she bawled Chris’ name over and over again.

“Alexis.” Chris sounded so weak, like he was slipping away from her.

“I’m right here. I’m here, Chris,” her voice cracked from fear.

“Alexis.”

The EMTs wasted no time cutting off Chris’ T-shirt. Alexis stopped fighting the agent, staring in disbelief. Rachel gasped and Dylan searched for a chair to sit on.

One of the medics startled to chuckle. He pointed to the spot on Chris’ chest where the bullet had nearly penetrated his bulletproof vest. “He’s okay,” he said to his partner. “The bullet didn’t penetrate.”

“Yep, he’ll be fine. I’m sure your chest is going to hurt for a while, sir, but you’ll be just fine. We’ll check your vital signs and the hospital will do an x-ray for any internal damage, but usually hits like this just knock the breath clean out of ya and hurt like the devil. There’s no lasting damage.”

Alexis tried to process the information. “You had on a vest,” she said in disbelief. “You’re not going to die.”

She shoved the agent holding her out of her way, launching herself at Chris. The EMTs were the ones pushed aside as she kissed him passionately, trying to assure herself he was really all right.

Chris returned her kiss. Holding her at arm’s length, he grinned in relief. “How stupid. I knew I had a vest on. I just thought and it felt like...” His face flushed red.

“I thought the same thing. Oh, Chris, you’re alive.” She attacked him again and thankfully no one interrupted.

Dylan and Rachel watched them with knowing smiles.

“He’s okay,” Dylan took a deep breath. He turned to hold his wife. “Chris is okay.”

Rachel just smiled.

A whining Yusuf, screaming Danielle, and howling Ahmed were led to the waiting boats. Various agents searched the home, outbuildings, waterfront, and woods, capturing the remaining terrorists.

Dylan held his wife and child close as tears of happiness and relief streamed down his face. Rachel, Tyler, and Alexis were safe. Chris wasn’t hurt. They had prevented Ahmed’s attack.

An agent had found the manifests for the ships carrying the nuclear weapons in a desk drawer. The FBI and Coast Guard were hunting them down. The U.S. military around the globe had been warned and would take measures to insure they wouldn’t be caught unaware.

His faith soared as he thanked the Lord for his protection and assistance. He knew they would never have been able to unravel such an involved plan without the Lord by their side.

Except for a heinous headache, everything was perfect. Dylan held Rachel at arm’s length.

“Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?” he asked.

“Proud?” Rachel smiled.

“You are one tough lady. I don’t know how you remained calm throughout everything but I just have to say I am extremely impressed by my beautiful wife.”

Rachel blushed. “I looked calm? That’s a joke. I’ve never been more terrified in my life.”

“You were amazing.” He kissed her. “I love you.” He wrapped her and Tyler in his embrace.

“I love you, too.”

She leaned against him. Dylan bent, kissing Tyler on the cheek. “Hey, buddy. You okay?”

“Okay,” Tyler said. “Loves you, Daddy.” He flung himself into Dylan’s arms.

“I love you, Ty.” Dylan held him close, unable to contain the tears. He looked at Rachel. “I, um.” He cleared his throat. “Things are going to change, Rach. I’m going to figure out a way to be home more.”

Rachel smiled. “That would be great, but I understand how important your work is.”

He shook his head. “You’re more important. What do you say we go and get our girl?”

“Sounds wonderful.” Rachel clung to Dylan as he led her from the mansion.

Chris sat on the floor. The pain in his chest was receding, and the embarrassment setting in. What an uproar he’d caused. He tried not to think of his terrifying “near-death” experience as he hugged Alexis, thrilled she was unharmed.

He pulled her closer. “C’mere, Half-pint.”

“Ouch.”

“Ouch?” Chris relaxed his grip.

He began checking her for visible injuries, remembering the blood on her counter top. Chris was sickened to see several cuts, scrapes and abrasions. The right side of her face was swollen, blood caked into the hair plastered to the back of her head.

“What happened?” he muttered, not fully trusting his voice.

“I’m okay. The man who was with Danielle threw me around a little bit.”

“A
little
bit?” Chris gingerly examined the back of her head. “How long were you unconscious?”

“A few hours.” Alexis shrugged.

“We’ll have to take you to a hospital as soon as we get home.” Chris shook his head. “Oh Alexis, I’m sorry. I told you I would protect you but instead I got you involved in this awful mess.”

“Stop it right now.”

Chris raised an eyebrow.

“If you hadn’t gotten me involved in this mess.” Alexis gestured with her hand. “You wouldn’t be holding me right now. That is worth getting beaten up by a hundred disgusting thugs.”

Chris smiled at her impassioned speech. “You are a feisty little thing.”

Alexis grinned. “Have I told you lately you are my hero?” She gently traced the contours of his jaw.

“I’m your hero?” Chris chortled, gazing at her in wonder. “I didn’t do anything. I come rushing in after you escape from being held hostage, tie up Danielle, and destroy the terrorist’s plans. The only thing I did was get shot and think I was dying.”

Alexis grimaced. “I thought you were dying as well.”

“I’m fine.” Chris gently pulled her closer. “You’re my hero.” He smiled, raising an eyebrow. “I only wish I could think of a proper way to express my gratitude.”

Alexis only smiled in return as he lowered his mouth to hers. Chris thoroughly enjoyed expressing his appreciation.

“IS THIS OKAY FOR A DATE?” Chris opened the door for Alexis and helped her from his extended cab truck.

“It’s perfect,” Alexis reassured him.
As long as I’m with you, anything is okay
.

“Pretty nice of the department to give us a couple weeks off.”

They walked slowly along a scenic hiking trail. They were healing from their injuries, and Alexis didn’t feel any urgency to hurry.

“Yeah,” she agreed. “I guess after our traumatic experience of saving the world, it was the least they could do.”

Chris grinned. “When you put it that way, they owe us more than two weeks. Maybe we should start bugging someone for a raise.”

Alexis grinned back at him. “So, what are you going to do with your time off?”
Please say you want to be with me.

“Well,” Chris reached for her hand, “I was kind of hoping we could get to know each other better.”

Alexis’s smile broadened. “What did you have in mind?”

“Anything you want to do. Swimming, boating, biking, bowling.”

“Wow, bowling.” Alexis arched an eyebrow. “The possibilities really are endless.”

He released her hand to grab her around the waist and pull her toward him.

“You love to tease me, don’t you?” Chris’ breath was warm against her mouth.

“Yeah, you are kind of fun to tease.” Alexis just wanted to kiss him.

Voices approached from behind. Releasing her from the embrace, Chris reached for her hand again. Alexis tasted disappointment instead of his lips as they continued to amble up the hill. A few seconds later a rambunctious group of young people rushed past them. Alexis was grateful when the wooded trail was quiet once more with only the chirping of birds and the comforting trickle of a nearby stream to break the stillness.

Chris directed Alexis off the path toward the gurgling stream. They sat on a large rock, staring into the water for several minutes. Her mind raced with the words she wanted to say, but yet didn’t dare verbalize.

“Alexis, you have to give me a chance.”

“Chris, I want to be with you.”

They spoke at the same time.

“What did you say?” Chris asked.

“No, what did you say?” she countered.

“You go first.”

“No you.” Alexis was reluctant to admit her feelings.

“No, I insist.” Chris bowed. “Ladies before gentlemen.”

“Okay.” Alexis gulped down her fear. “I, um...” She looked at the stream and grove of aspen trees, unable to meet his eyes. “I know you aren’t a Christian and probably never will be, but I still want to be with you. When I thought I was going to lose you.” She shuddered, plucking the edge of her T-shirt with her fingers. “I wanted to die right along with you.”

Chris smiled. “I really appreciate you being willing to give up your dream for me, but the thing is, I was, that is I am a Christian.”

“You’re
what
?” She jumped in surprise, turning to face him.

“I’ve told you about my parents. I was raised in the church and was a strong believer until my parents were killed. I became so bitter.” Chris shook his head.